Washington Agencies to Pay $49.3 Million in Settlement Over Starvation Death of Disabled Teen

The State of Washington, including the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), and the Evergreen School District have agreed to a $49.3 million settlement in the case of Karreon Adams-Franks, a 15-year-old disabled boy who starved to death in November 2020. The settlement, announced last week, will be divided between the state and the school district.

Karreon, who was autistic, nonverbal, and legally blind, died weighing just 61 pounds. His adoptive parents, Felicia Adams and Jesse Franks, were convicted of his murder in December 2023 and sentenced to 35 and 30 years, respectively. Abuse allegations against the couple included beatings with extension cords and canes, and the withholding of food as punishment.

According to the law firm representing Karreon's estate, which includes his two surviving brothers, warning signs of abuse had been present for years. The DCYF had received reports of abuse as early as 2017. In 2020, a relative reported the couple to the agency, describing Karreon as a "walking skeleton."

A DCYF caseworker visited the home six days before Karreon's death. The caseworker noted that the boy was "very skinny" but documented "no present danger," despite observing no observable injuries on exposed skin. The caseworker advised the mother to review laws regarding acceptable discipline, specifically noting that spanking with an object was not advised.

Karreon's estate also alleged that the Evergreen School District neglected its duty to protect the boys. Reports indicated that school staff had been informed that the boys had mentioned not receiving food over the weekend and were subsequently beaten.

In 2021, the medical examiner ruled Karreon's death a homicide, citing starvation and neglect as the cause. Adams and Franks surrendered to authorities following the issuance of arrest warrants.

"No amount of money will ever make up for what happened to Karreon and what his brothers lived through," said Chris Davis, a lawyer for the estate. "The people and agencies responsible for protecting them, at school and at the State, saw the warning signs for years and did not act. We hope this settlement gives Karreon’s brothers the stability and support to build the future they deserve. We also hope it reminds every governmental agency and school district that each warning sign must be treated as if a child’s life depends on it, because it often does."

Evergreen Public Schools stated that the district recognizes the profound loss of Karreon’s life and its lasting impact on his family. The district maintained that its staff are well-trained and understand their mandatory reporting responsibilities, and that none of its staff failed to make a mandatory report to DCYF. The district agreed to settle to avoid a jury verdict that could exceed its insurance coverage.

Since Karreon's death, the DCYF has implemented policy changes, including requiring employees to take photographs when responding to abuse cases, according to The Seattle Times.